Interface device with three-dimensional (3-D) viewing functionality

ABSTRACT

An interface device is provided that is configured to allow viewing of three-dimensional (3-D) content when the interface device is worn. In certain embodiments, a wearable visualization device can be removably coupled to the interface device. The wearable visualization device, when in use, may provide additional viewing functionality, such as facilitating the viewing of augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/034,193, entitled “INTERFACE DEVICE WITHTHREE-DIMENSIONAL (3-D) VIEWING FUNCTIONALITY,” filed Jun. 3, 2020,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects ofart that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques,which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed tobe helpful in providing the reader with background information tofacilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statementsare to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Amusement parks and/or theme parks may include various entertainmentattractions, restaurants, and rides useful in providing enjoyment toguests. Areas of an amusement park may have different themes that arespecifically targeted to certain audiences. For example, certain areasmay include themes that are traditionally of interest to children, whileother areas may include themes that are traditionally of interest tomore mature audiences. Generally, such areas having themes may bereferred to as an attraction or a themed attraction. It is recognizedthat it may be desirable to enhance the immersive experience for guestsof such attractions, such as by augmenting the themes with virtualfeatures as well as with stereoscopic imagery, which generates theillusion of three-dimensional (3-D) imagery.

SUMMARY

A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. Itshould be understood that these aspects are presented merely to providethe reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and thatthese aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may notbe set forth below.

In one embodiment, an interface device for a wearable visualizationdevice includes a head strap assembly, configured to be worn on a headof a guest when in use to secure the interface device to the head, andan interface frame coupled to the head strap assembly. The interfacedevice also includes a three-dimensional (3-D) viewing componentattached to the interface frame and configured to allow viewing of oneor more coded 2-dimensional (2-D) images as one or more deciphered 3-Dfeatures. The interface device also includes an attachment mechanismconfigured to removably couple the separate wearable visualizationdevice to the interface frame. The wearable visualization devicecomprises one or more displays for displaying virtual features when inuse.

In one embodiment, a combined three-dimensional (3-D) and augmentedreality viewing system includes an interface device configured to beworn on a head of a guest when in use. The interface device includes aninterface frame and a 3-D viewing component attached to the interfaceframe. The 3-D viewing component is configured to allow viewing ofprojected or displayed 3-D images. The interface device also includes afirst attachment mechanism configured to removably couple a separatewearable visualization device to the interface frame. The viewing systemalso includes the wearable visualization device, which includes one ormore transparent or semi-transparent displays on which one or morevirtual features are displayed when in use. The wearable visualizationdevice also includes a second attachment mechanism configured toremovably engage the first attachment mechanism.

In one embodiment, a combined three-dimensional (3-D) and virtualreality viewing system includes an interface device configured to beworn on a head of a guest when in use. The interface device includes aninterface frame and a 3-D viewing component attached to the interfaceframe. The 3-D viewing component is configured to allow viewing ofprojected or displayed 3-D images. The interface device also includes afirst attachment mechanism configured to removably couple a separatewearable visualization device to the interface frame. The viewing systemalso includes the wearable visualization device, which includes one ormore opaque displays on which one or more virtual features are displayedwhen in use. The wearable visualization device also includes a secondattachment mechanism configured to removably engage the first attachmentmechanism.

Various refinements of the features noted above may be undertaken inrelation to various aspects of the present disclosure. Further featuresmay also be incorporated in these various aspects as well. Theserefinements and additional features may exist individually or in anycombination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a guest interfacedevice and a wearable visualization device in a detached configuration,in accordance with present embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a guest interfacedevice and a wearable visualization device in a detached configuration,in accordance with present embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a guest interfacedevice and a wearable visualization device in a detached configuration,in accordance with present embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a guest interfacedevice including a facemask portion and lenses for viewing 3-D content,in accordance with present embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of a guest interface deviceincluding a facemask portion and lenses for viewing 3-D content, inaccordance with present embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of a guest interface deviceincluding a facemask portion and lenses for viewing 3-D content, inaccordance with present embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of a single piece lens assemblycapable of being removable attached to a guest interface device, inaccordance with present embodiments;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the use of a guest interface device andwearable visualization device for viewing AR/VR content and 3-D contentshown in use in the context of a passenger ride or attraction, inaccordance with present embodiments; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process ofoperating an AR/VR and 3-D viewing system, in accordance with presentembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effortto provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all featuresof an actual implementation are described in the specification. Itshould be appreciated that in the development of any such actualimplementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a developmenteffort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be aroutine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those ofordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean thatthere are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.Additionally, it should be understood that references to “oneembodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are notintended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additionalembodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

An amusement park may include an augmented reality (AR), a virtualreality (VR), and/or a mixed reality (combination of AR and VR) system(AR/VR system) that is configured to enhance a guest experience of anamusement park attraction by providing guests with AR/VR experiences(e.g., AR experiences, VR experiences, or both). Indeed, combinations ofcertain hardware configurations, software configurations (e.g.,algorithmic structures and/or modeled responses), as well as certainattraction features may be utilized to provide guests with AR/VRexperiences that may be customizable, personalized, and/or interactive.

In certain contexts, such attraction features may also include aspectswhich may incorporate three-dimensional (3-D) content, distinct from theAR and/or VR content, using suitable stereoscopic techniques. With thisin mind, reference herein to 3-D techniques or imagery includes anysuitable stereoscopic techniques to provide a stereoscopic 3-D effectthat enables a guest to perceive depth from two-dimensional (2-D),slightly offset images, or 2-D coded images, which are presented to eacheye of the guest. The 3-D features are visualized from an electronicdisplay device or a projector screen via light-filtering coatings orelements that enable each eye of the guest to receive two differentimages of a same object, which are optically combined into a discernableor deciphered 3-D appearance.

As may be appreciated, such stereoscopic techniques typically employlenses or glasses worn by a guest to help perceive the 3-D content.However, with the integration of head wearable technologies for certainattractions or ride vehicles within theme park environments, it becomesdifficult or unrealistic for guests to simultaneously wear traditional3-D glasses to perceive 3-D content displayed or projected within thetheme park environments in conjunction with the a headset or glassestypically associated with the display of VR or AR content, respectively.With this in mind, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to awearable visualization device assembly or viewing system having amulti-piece housing, one portion of which facilitates viewing 3-Dcontent and a second portion of which facilitates viewing VR or ARcontent generated for the respective attraction.

With the preceding in mind, FIG. 1 is a perspective view an embodimentof one such multi-piece device in the form of a combined or an enhancedviewing system 10 configured to enable a guest (e.g., a user, anamusement park employee, a ride vehicle passenger) to experience (e.g.,view, interact with) AR/VR scenes, as well as stereoscopic 3-D imagerythat is projected and/or displayed on a screen. The enhanced viewingsystem 10 includes a wearable visualization device 12 that provided theAR/VR viewing functionality and a guest interface device 14 (e.g.,interface device) that provides the 3-D viewing functionality. Asdiscussed below, the wearable visualization device 12 and the guestinterface device 14 are removably coupleable to one another to allow aguest to switch between the different viewing functionalities, asappropriate.

With respect to FIG. 1 , the guest interface device 14 is configured tobe affixed to the guest's head and, thus, enable the guest tocomfortably wear the wearable visualization device 12 throughout variousattractions or while traversing certain amusement park environments. Forexample, the guest interface device 14 may include a head strap assembly50 that is configured to attach to an interface frame 18 portion. Incombination, the presently illustrated interface frame 18 and head strapassembly 50 span a circumference of the guest's head. The head strapassembly 50 is configured to be tightened (e.g., constricted) on theguest's head. In this manner, the head strap assembly 50 facilitatesaffixing the guest interface device 14 to the head of the guest, suchthat the guest interface device 14 may be utilized to retain thewearable visualization device 12 on the guest (e.g., when the wearablevisualization device 12 is in the engaged or attached configuration, asdiscussed below). However, the head strap assembly 50 may be anysuitable assembly that facilitates retention of the wearablevisualization device 12 on the guest. As discussed herein, the guestinterface device 14 enables the guest to efficiently couple and decouplethe wearable visualization device 12 from the guest interface device 14,such as without detachment of the guest interface device 14 from theguest's head.

As presently recognized, the guest interface device 14 employs one ormore suitable 3-D technologies to enable the guest to perceive the 3-Dfeatures, without depending on the separate wearable visualizationdevice 12. Examples of such 3-D viewing technologies may include a 3-Dviewing component that enables the guest to perceive one or more coded2-dimensional (2-D) images as one or more deciphered 3-D features. Forexample, the 3-D viewing component may be embodied as lenses 52 that maybe provided on or attached to the guest interface device 14. In suchembodiments, the lenses 52 may be formed as part of or may be separablyattached to the interface frame 18, which is provided as part of theguest interface device 14 and configured to attach to or receive thelenses 52. The lenses 52 may be or may incorporate a passive 3-D lensassembly, coating, or filter (e.g., anaglyph filters, polarizationfilters, etc.) or an active 3-D lens assembly, coating, or filter (e.g.,active shuttering lens assembly, which may employ liquid crystallayers).

By way of example, the lenses 52 of the guest interface device 14 mayinclude a first filter provided as or on one lens of the lenses 52 and asecond filter provided as or on the other lens, where each filter hasdifferent optical properties or qualities. In combination, these opticalproperties allow a guest to view 3-D images 36. For instance, in someembodiments, the lenses 52 are a light-filtering lens assembly or 3-Dfiltering layer that includes a first anaglyph lens or filter (e.g.,blue film) as a first lens and a second anaglyph lens or filter (e.g.,red film) for the second lens. In other embodiments, the lenses 52 are alight-filtering lens assembly or 3-D filtering layer that includes afirst polarized lens having a first polarization (e.g., clockwise,vertical) as a first lens and a second polarized lens having a second,opposite polarization (e.g., counter-clockwise, horizontal) as thesecond lens. The lenses 52 of these embodiments therefore utilizewavelength filtering or polarization filtering to condition the 3-Dimages 36 for viewing by the guest. In further embodiments, the lenses52 are active shuttering lenses having a first liquid crystal layer anda second liquid crystal layer, where the application of power to thelenses 52 causes one layer to be opaque and the other layer to betranslucent. In any case, when the guest is wearing the guest interfacedevice 14, the lenses 52 provide a first perspective or portion of the3-D images 36 to one eye of the guest and a second, offset perspectiveor portion of the 3-D images 36 to the other eye of the guest. Therelatively offset images provide a perception of depth to the guest, whovisualizes the 3-D images 36 at a specified focal length that variesbased on a magnitude of the offset between the offset images.

The lenses 52 may also include an anti-glare coating or filter disposedadjacent to or on an environment-facing surface of the lenses 52. Theanti-glare coating may be any suitable semi-opaque or light-blockingmaterial that reduces the transmission of light from strong lightsources through the lenses 52 that would otherwise obscure the virtualfeatures 32 and the 3-D images 36. In other embodiments, the anti-glarecoating is omitted and/or a hat brim 54 is provided as part of the guestinterface device 14 to reduce glare onto the lenses 52. Moreover, it isto be understood that the coatings of the lenses 52 may be disposed inany suitable order relative to one another, provided that the lenses 52are sufficiently transparent to the light from a 3-D display system,discussed herein, to enable the guest to properly visualize the 3-Dimages 36 and to enable the guest to properly visualize the virtualfeatures 32.

With respect to the viewing of virtual features 32, these features maybe viewed by a guest using the wearable visualization device 12, whichcan be removably coupled to the guest interface device 14. By way of afirst implementation, and with respect to FIG. 1 , an augmented reality(AR) approach will be described first. However, as discussed elsewhereherein, in other contexts the wearable visualization device 12 may beconfigured for viewing virtual reality (VR) content (e.g., the wearablevisualization device 12 may be a VR headset) which, when coupled to theguest interface device 14, allows a guest to see and/or interact withvirtual features 32, typically without the context of the real-worldenvironment 30.

With this above introduction in mind, an example embodiment suitable forviewing AR content is depicted in FIG. 1 . In this and otherembodiments, the wearable visualization device 12 may include orincorporate an electronics package suitable for presenting AR and/or VRcontent when coupled to the guest interface device 14. For example, thewearable visualization device 12 may include electronic eyeglasses 16through which a wearer may simultaneously view the AR content (e.g.,virtual features 32) displayed on the electronic eyeglasses 16superimposed on the real world environment 30. Lenses or opticalfeatures of the wearable visualization device 12 may be polarized tomatch (or otherwise optically correspond to) any polarization of thelenses 52 of the guest interface device 14 to allow sufficient ormaximal light transmission through the combined optics. Indeed,adjusting the optical features of the wearable visualization device 12to further integrate with the lenses 52 of the guest interface device 14may provide enhanced or more realistic viewing of 3-D content.

The electronic eyeglasses 16 in such an AR context may include one ormore displays 22 (e.g., transparent, semi-transparent, and so forth)onto which certain virtual features 32 may be displayed or overlaid. Byway of non-limiting example, the displays 20 may include transparent(e.g., see-through) light emitting diode (LED) displays or transparent(e.g., see-through) organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays. Thatis, the electronic eyeglasses 16 may at least partially control a viewof the guest by overlaying the virtual features 32 onto a line of sightof the guest. To this end, the wearable visualization device 12 mayenable the guest to visualize and perceive a surreal environment 40having certain virtual features 32 (e.g., AR features) overlaid onto thephysical, real-world environment 30 (e.g., physical structures in theattraction) viewable by the guest through the displays 22. Moreover, theelectronic eyeglasses 16 may operate at an increased brightness levelcompared to a brightness level of electronic eyeglasses that do notintegrate with the lenses 52, thereby enabling perception of the of thevirtual features 32 through the lenses 52 despite potential dimnessattributed by polarized or other embodiments of the lenses 52

As noted herein, in certain embodiments the guest interface device 14includes lenses 52 or other suitable viewing structures (e.g., polarizedlenses or other lenses suitable for allowing stereoscopic viewing) thatallow a guest wearing the guest interface device 14 to view 3-D images36 when the wearable visualization device 12 is removed or, in an ARcontext, when the wearable visualization device 12 is coupled to theguest interface device 14. By way of example of the latter, AR context(illustrated in FIG. 1 ), the AR functionality provided by theelectronic eyeglasses 16 may be performed on or otherwise leverage the3-D images 36 viewable using the guest interface device 14 to allow theaugmented reality content (i.e., virtual features 32) displayed on theelectronic eyeglasses 16 to be perceived as being associated withdifferent depths or focal planes (e.g., multiple, independent focalplanes) associated with the 3-D images 36.

Though the preceding example relates primarily to AR implementations, asnoted above, the wearable visualization device 12 may instead be usedfor viewing VR content. By way of example in such a VR context, thewearable visualization device 12 may be a VR headset that control orlimits the view of the guest (e.g., using opaque viewing surfaces), suchas opaque or non-transparent displays configured to display virtualfeatures 32 (e.g., VR features) to the guest. As such, the surrealenvironment 40 viewable by the guest may be, for example, a real-timevideo that includes real-world images of the physical, real-worldenvironment 30 electronically merged with one or more virtual features32. Thus, in wearing the wearable visualization device 12 in a VRcontext, the guest may feel completely encompassed by the surrealenvironment 40 and may perceive the surreal environment 40 to be thereal-world environment 30 that includes certain virtual features 32.

With the preceding in mind, it should be appreciated that the surrealenvironment 40 may include an AR experience, a VR experience, a mixedreality experience, a computer-mediated reality experience, acombination thereof, or another suitable surreal environment. Moreover,it should be understood that the wearable visualization device 12 may beused alone or in combination with the 3-D content viewable using theguest interface device 14 to create the surreal environment 40. Indeed,the guest may wear the guest interface device 14, with or without thewearable visualization device 12 attached, throughout all or part of aduration of a ride of an amusement park ride or during another time,such as during a game, throughout a particular area or attraction of anamusement park, during a ride to a hotel associated with the amusementpark, at the hotel, and so forth. In some embodiments, when implementedin the amusement park setting, the wearable visualization device 12 maybe physically coupled to (e.g., tethered via a cable) to a structure(e.g., a ride vehicle of the amusement park ride) to block separation ofthe wearable visualization device 12 from the structure and/or may beelectronically coupled to (e.g., via the cable) a computing system(e.g., a computer graphics generation system) to facilitate operation ofthe wearable visualization device 12 (e.g., display of the virtualfeatures 32).

As discussed herein, the wearable visualization device 12 is removablycoupleable (e.g., toollessly coupleable; coupleable without tools;coupled without threaded fasteners, such as bolts; separable withouttools and without breaking the components of the wearable visualizationdevice 12 or the guest interface device 14) to the guest interfacedevice 14 (such as to the interface frame 18) to enable the wearablevisualization device 12 to quickly transition between an engagedconfiguration, in which the wearable visualization device 12 is coupledto the guest interface device 14, and a disengaged or detachedconfiguration. FIGS. 2 and 3 , discussed below illustrate the transitionbetween the engaged and disengaged configurations. Turning to FIGS. 2and 3 , these figures are perspective views of embodiments of thewearable visualization device 12 and the guest interface device 14 andwill be discussed concurrently below. Furthermore, it should be notedthat FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a different structure for the guestinterface device 14 (e.g., a helmet, compared to a visor of FIG. 1 ), asvarious different structures for the guest interface device 14 areenvisioned herein. Further, FIG. 3 illustrates a different structure forthe wearable visualization device 12 (e.g., a VR headset, compared toelectronic eyeglasses 16 of FIGS. 1 and 2 ), as both AR and VRembodiments of the wearable visualization device 12 are envisionedherein. In practice, it should be appreciated that any combination ofthese embodiments (e.g., visor and electronic eyeglasses, helmet andelectronic eyeglasses, visor and VR headset, helmet and VR headset, andso forth) may be practiced, and the present examples are not intended tobe limiting, but are instead intended to provide select, meaningful, andillustrative real-world examples for the purpose of explanation.

With this in mind, and turning to FIGS. 2 and 3 , in these examples thewearable visualization device 12 may include one or more primary magnets80 positioned on or in the wearable visualization device 12. The one ormore primary magnets 80 may be positioned or configured to interfacewith (e.g., magnetically attach) corresponding primary magnets 84positioned on or in the guest interface device 14, such as within theinterface frame 18. In this manner, when the wearable visualizationdevice 12 is brought into proximity to the guest interface device 14,the primary magnets 80, 84 may magnetically couple to one another.

In the depicted example, the wearable visualization device 12 is alsoshown as including one or more secondary magnets 88 positioned on or ina side or peripheral portion of the wearable visualization device 12.The one or more secondary magnets 88 may be positioned or configured tointerface with (e.g., magnetically attach) corresponding secondarymagnets 90 positioned on or in corresponding side locations of the guestinterface device 14, such as respective portions of the interface frame18. The secondary magnets 88, 90 may be provided in addition to or inthe alternative of the primary magnets 80, 84 and perform similarly.That is, the secondary magnets 88, 90 may magnetically couple to oneanother when brought in proximity.

With the preceding in mind, to couple the wearable visualization device12 to the guest interface device 14, the guest may translate thewearable visualization device 12 toward the guest interface device 14 toengage the devices together. In one embodiment, support ribs 94 may beprovided on the guest interface device 14, such as on the interfaceframe 18, that engage with corresponding support grooves 98 of thewearable visualization device 12. The guest may translate the wearablevisualization device 12 along the support ribs 94 as part of engagingthe wearable visualization device 12 to the guest interface device 14,thereby bringing the respective primary magnets 80, 84 and/or secondarymagnets 88, 90 into proximity and alignment. In this manner, the primarymagnets 80, 84 and/or the secondary magnets 88, 90 may align with andmagnetically couple to their respective counterparts.

Moreover, at least a portion of the wearable visualization device 12 maybe configured to translate with respect to the structure of the guestinterface device 14 so as to enable the primary magnets 80 to align withand magnetically couple to the counterpart primary magnets 84 of theguest interface device 14. To this end, the mechanical engagementbetween the support ribs 94 and the support grooves 98 may supportsubstantially all of a weight of the wearable visualization device 12(e.g., when coupled to the guest interface device 14), while themagnetic engagement between the primary magnets 80, 84 and the secondarymagnets 88, 90 helps prevent the wearable visualization device 12 fromdisengaging (e.g., sliding off of) the guest interface device 14.Indeed, it should be understood that a force utilized to magneticallydecouple the primary magnets 80, 84 and to magnetically decouple thesecondary magnets 88, 90, such as when transitioning the wearablevisualization device 12 from the engaged configuration to the detachedconfiguration, may be greater than, for example, a force acting on thewearable visualization device 12 due to gravity, due to shaking orturning of the guest's head, or due to other inadvertent contact withthe wearable visualization device 12. Accordingly, the magnets 80, 84,88, 90, in conjunction with the support ribs 94 and the support grooves98, may be configured to retain the wearable visualization device 12 inthe engaged configuration on the guest interface device 14 until theguest manually removes the wearable visualization device 12 from theguest interface device 14. In other embodiments, the coupling may beachieved with other structural features besides or in addition tomagnets, such as snap-on extensions, user-releasable latches, and soforth.

To remove the wearable visualization device 12 from the guest interfacedevice 14, the guest may translate the wearable visualization device 12away from the guest interface device 14 so as to cause the primarymagnets 80, 84 and/or the secondary magnets 88, 90 to magneticallydecouple. The guest may continue to translate the wearable visualizationdevice 12 away from the guest interface device 14 to remove (e.g.,decouple) the wearable visualization device 12 from the guest interfacedevice 14, thereby retaining the guest's ability to perceive 3-D contentthrough the lenses 52. In other embodiments, the guest may releasestructural latches or disengage snap-on extensions to facilitate theremoval of the wearable visualization device 12 from the guest interfacedevice 14.

It should be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, one of thewearable visualization device primary magnets 80 or the guest interfacedevice primary magnets 84 may be replaced with a suitable reactionmaterial (e.g., metallic plates). Similarly, one of the wearablevisualization device secondary magnets 88 or the guest interface devicesecondary magnets 90 may be replaced with such a reaction material. Assuch, in these embodiments the primary magnets 80 and/or 84 or secondarymagnets 88 or 90 may be configured to attract a corresponding reactionmaterial instead of another magnet.

Moreover, in certain embodiments, any of the magnets 80, 84, 88, and/or90 may be replaced with suitable electromagnets that are powered via awired or wireless power source (e.g., a battery). In such cases, theelectromagnets may be deactivated to enable separation of the wearablevisualization device 12 from the guest interface device 14 at certaintimes, such as during an unloading process in which the guest isunloading from the ride vehicle of the amusement park ride. Similarly,the electromagnets may be activated to facilitate securement of thewearable visualization device 12 to the guest interface device 14 atcertain times, such as during a loading process in which the guest isloading onto the ride vehicle of the amusement park ride.

By enabling guests to fit or remove the wearable visualization device 12on the guest interface device 14, instead of attaching the wearablevisualization device 12 directly to the head of the guest, direct,physical contact between the wearable visualization device 12 and theguest's head may be substantially avoided. Further, as discussed herein,because the guest interface device is provided with lenses 52 (or other3-D visualization structures), the guest interface device 14, when wornwithout the wearable visualization device 12, can be used to view 3-Dimages 36 projected or displayed as part of an attraction. As notedherein, however, the 3-D content viewable using the guest interfacedevice 14 may also be viewable when the wearable visualization device 12is coupled to the guest interface device 14 in AR contexts where thewearable visualization device 12 allows viewing of such externalcontent.

With respect to the guest interface device 14 and the respective 3-Dviewing optics (e.g., lenses 52), further examples illustrating variousembodiments and configurations are shown in FIGS. 4-6 . Turning to FIG.4 , an embodiment of the guest interface device 14 is depicted asincluding 3-D viewing optics, as discussed herein, in the form of lenses52 provided as part of or attached to the guest interface device 14. Inthe depicted example, the guest interface device 14 includes a facemaskportion 120 (including a nose guard 122) configured to fit to a face ofa guest wearing the guest interface device. Such a facemask portion 120may help in positioning and/or aligning the guest interface device 14 tothe face of the guest. In practice, guest interface devices (andcorresponding facemask portions) may be provided in different sizes toaccommodate differences in guest size and anatomy.

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6 , two alternative styles for the facemaskportion 120 are illustrated. In both examples, the respective lenses 52are illustrated as having different polarization (e.g., perpendicularpolarization, opposite polarization) for a respective left lens 52A anda right lens 52B so as to facilitate viewing of 3-D images 36 using theguest interface device 14. Such differing polarization may be achievedusing passive or active polarization techniques, as discussed herein. Inthe example of FIG. 5 , the respective lenses 52 are depicted as havinga limited extent with respect to openings 130 of the facemask portion120, leaving open space for the flow of air while still providing 3-Dviewing capability to a wearer of the guest interface device 14.Conversely, in FIG. 6 the depicted example of the guest interface device14 includes respective lenses 52 that substantially or completely fillthe openings 130, which may be useful to create a more immersiveexperience or otherwise provide a greater range of vision capable ofviewing 3-D content using the guest interface device 14.

In some embodiments, the lenses 52 may be removable or otherwiseseparable from the remainder of the guest interface device 14. Anexample of one such separable lenses piece is illustrated in FIG. 7 ,where separate lenses 52 are illustrated in the form of a detachablevisor. As may be appreciated, though the lenses 52 are provided as asingle visor in this example, differing polarization, liquid crystallayers, or anaglyph colors may still be present on the two halves of thevisor to facilitate viewing of 3-D images 36. That is, in suchembodiments, the lenses 52 may be formed from a single, continuous pieceof material, where a first lens region having a first optical propertymay be aligned with a first eye (e.g., left eye) of the guest and asecond lens region having a different, second optical property may bealigned with a second eye (e.g., right eye) of the guest. In otherembodiments, the lenses 52 may be a lens assembly of multi-piececonstruction that is formed from two or more separate lenses coupledtogether.

In this example the lenses 52 may fasten to the guest interface device14 via one or more magnetic structures 142 (e.g., a magnet or metalplate), a clip-on or other mechanical fastener structure, oralternatively, may slide into a slot or groove structure provided in thefacemask portion 120 of a guest interface device 14. In this manner,different lenses 52 may be replaced or exchanged on demand with respectto a guest interface device 14 and vice versa. Indeed, suchreplicability may facilitate efficient cleaning of the lenses 52 and/oruser-selection of lenses 52 that are specific to user qualities (e.g.,adult, child, prescription glasses wearer).

In the depicted example, a raised spacer 140 is also shown as beingprovided on an environment-facing surface of the lenses 52. Such aspacer 140 may be formed from a foam material, a rubber material, aplastic material, or other suitable material. When present, the spacer140 may help maintain a spaced or pre-determined distance between thesurface of the lenses 52 and facing surfaces of the wearablevisualization device 12, thereby desirably blocking contacttherebetween. It should be understood that the spacer 140 may take anysuitable form, such as one in which spacer material is concentrated orprovided mainly at lateral edge portions of the lenses 52 (e.g., regionsof expected or likely contact).

With the preceding in mind, in operation, the guest (e.g., user) may beprovided with a dedicated guest interface device 14 (e.g., upon entryinto the amusement park and/or while waiting in line for the amusementpark attraction) that may be worn by that particular guest for a periodof time, such as throughout the amusement park (e.g., in multipledifferent attractions of the amusement park) or throughout the durationof the amusement park attraction (e.g., on a single ride). For example,prior to boarding the attraction, the guest may fit the guest interfacedevice 14 on the guest's head in accordance with the techniquesdiscussed above. While boarding the attraction, the guest may couple thewearable visualization device 12 to the guest interface device 14. Inthis manner, the guest may enjoy the experience provided by theattraction including AR/VR content as well as projected or displayed 3-Dcontent, where available.

When deboarding the attraction, the guest may decouple the wearablevisualization device 12 from the guest interface device 14. In somecases, upon deboarding the attraction, the guest may then discard of theguest interface device 14 at an appropriate location (e.g., a collectionbin). Alternatively, as noted above, the guest may wear the guestinterface device 14 on multiple different rides or during multipledifferent attractions. For example, the guest may carry the guestinterface device 14 from ride to ride, and connect the guest interfacedevice 14 to the wearable visualization device 12 of each ride vehicleof each ride to enjoy a unique AR/VR experience for each ride. In suchimplementations, and as discussed herein, the guest while wearing theguest interface device 14 may continue to view 3-D content (e.g., 3-Dimages 36) provided for viewing as part of the attraction(s) prior toand subsequent to removal of the wearable visualization device 12 (orwhile wearing the wearable visualization device 12 in an AR context).

By way of an example of a ride-based implementation involving 3-Dcontent and virtual content, FIG. 8 illustrates three guests 150 withinan amusement park 160, two of whom are wearing wearable visualizationdevices 12, such as coupled to respective guest interface devices 14,and a third who has not coupled the wearable visualization devices 12 tohis or her respective guest interface devices 14. As discussed herein,each of the wearable visualization devices 12 includes one of or moredisplays suitable for displaying virtual features 32 in either an AR orVR context. The guest interface device 14, as shown in the precedingfigures and examples, includes lenses 52 or other optical featuressuitable for viewing 3-D images.

In depicted example, the guests 150 are in a passenger ride vehicle 162that is moveable along a ride path 164 (e.g., tracks) of a thrill ride166, such as a rollercoaster or dark ride. In the illustratedembodiment, the ride path 164 may be provided through a surroundingphysical environment within view of additional amusement attractions(e.g., Ferris wheel), a mall of park facilities (e.g., game areas,hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops), and other elements of the physicalenvironment. However, it should be understood that the ride path 164 maybe omitted and the thrill ride 166 may be a generally stationary ride orattraction, in some embodiments.

A 3-D display (e.g., electronic display device 172) may be provided inview of the ride vehicle 162 and disposed within the physicalenvironment so as to be viewable from the ride path 164. That is, theelectronic display devices 172 are visible from the passenger ridevehicle 162 during all or part of a ride. Additionally, it is to beunderstood that, in some embodiments, a projector screen and projectormay be employed in addition to or as an alternative to the electronicdisplay devices 172 to present 3-D images 36 to the guests 150.

By including one or more such electronic display devices 172 (or 3-Dprojectors), a guest 150 wearing a guest interface device 14 may be ableto perceive the displayed 3-D images 36 throughout a partial or fullduration of the thrill ride. For example, in an AR context, the guests150 may be able to perceive the 3-D images 36 displayed on theelectronic display devices 172 when both the guest interface device 14and the wearable visualization device 12 are worn. In a VR context, theguests 150 may be able to perceive the 3-D images 36 displayed on theelectronic display devices 172 when the guest interface device 14 isworn and the wearable visualization device 12 is uncoupled, such asduring boarding and/or deboarding.

With respect to other aspects of a content display system illustrated inFIG. 8 , a monitoring system 180 may be communicatively coupled to acomputer graphics generation system 190 and may be used to identify anysuitable position, location, orientation, and so forth of the guest 150(or multiple guests). In certain embodiments, the monitoring system 180(e.g., one or more cameras) may be employed to determine whether guests150 are currently wearing the wearable visualization device 12 (such asfor viewing VR content, e.g., virtual features 32) coupled to the guestinterface device 14 (for viewing 3-D images 36). Such information may beleveraged to determine whether display or projection of 3-D images 36may be suspended, such as if all guests in position to view a 3-D image36 are wearing a wearable visualization device 12 in the form of a VRheadset, and thus unable to see the 3-D images 36. Conversely, if atleast one guest 150 is determined to not have the wearable visualizationdevice 12 coupled to their guest interface device 14, the 3-D images 36may continue to be displayed since at least one guest may be capable ofseeing such images. Indeed, such embodiments may conserve power andincrease operating efficiency by conserving display of the 3-D images 36to instances when guests are able to see them. In further embodiments,if less than a threshold number of guests are wearing the wearablevisualization devices 12 and/or if a prompt has already been given, the3-D images 36 may provide further prompts to encourage coupling of thewearable visualization devices 12.

The 3-D viewing system (e.g., electronic display devices 172) may becommunicatively coupled to the monitoring system 180, a computergraphics generation system 190, and a master controller 200 along awireless network. The wireless network may include a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a near fieldcommunication (NFC), a mesh-type network, and so forth. Indeed, inembodiments of the wireless network having the mesh-type network, thevarious displayable content discussed herein may be reflexively orautomatically localized for a current state or condition of the AR/VRand electronic display devices 172 and/or the guests 150. In the presentembodiment, the wireless network communicatively couples each componentof the AR/VR and the 3-D viewing system (e.g., electronic displaydevices 172), though in other embodiments, one or multiple components ofthe AR/VR and the 3-D viewing system may be communicatively coupled by awired connection. Accordingly, the monitoring system 180, the electronicdisplay devices 172, the computer graphics generation system 190, andthe master controller 200 each include respective communication features210, 212, 214, 216 that enable the 3-D display system (e.g., electronicdisplay devices 172), the monitoring system 180, the computer graphicsgeneration system 190, and the master controller 200 to transfer dataand/or control signals via the wireless network. In addition, as shownin FIG. 8 , each of the monitoring system 180, the electronic displaydevices 172, the computer graphics generation system 190, and the mastercontroller 200 may incorporate respective processing components 220,222, 224, and 226 and memory components 230, 232, 234, and 236 used incombination to execute routines or other executable code to provide therespective functionality of these devices and systems.

In certain embodiments, the computer graphics generation system 190 ofthe AR/VR and the 3-D viewing system is responsible for generating theAR/VR imagery (e.g., virtual features 32) to be presented to theguest(s) 150 via the wearable visualization device 12 and the 3-D images36 viewable by the guest(s) 150 wearing the guest interface device 14.For example, the computer graphics generation system 190 of a presentembodiment is a server or game controller that is positioned within anamusement park to generate the AR/VR content (e.g., virtual features 32)based on various factors associated with the guest(s) 150. As such, thecomputer graphics generation system 190 is generally a system havingsignificant processing power that renders the AR/VR and/or 3-D contentbased on specific inputs received via the wireless network or a wirednetwork. For example, in some embodiments, the computer graphicsgeneration system 190 processes real-time video data (e.g., live video),orientation and position data, point of view data, or any combinationthereof, received from the wearable visualization device 12 and/or themonitoring system 180.

By way of example, in an AR context, the computer graphics generationsystem 190 may use this data to generate a frame of reference toregister the AR images (e.g., virtual features 32) to the physicalenvironment, for example, to the real-world environment 30 and/or the3-D images 36 viewable by the guest 150 through the guest interfacedevice 14. Using the frame of reference generated based on theorientation data, position data, point of view data, motion trackingdata, and so forth, the computer graphics generation system 190 may thenrender a view of the AR images in a manner that is temporally andspatially commensurate with what the guest 150 would perceive withoutthe wearable visualization device 12. The computer graphics generationsystem 190 may constantly update (e.g., in real-time) the rendering ofthe AR images (e.g., virtual features 32) to reflect change inrespective orientation, position, and/or motion of the respective guest150. Moreover, some embodiments of the computer graphics generationsystem 190 may update the 3-D images 36 based on the present virtualfeatures, actions of the guests 150, and so forth.

Conversely, in a VR context, the computer graphics generation system 190may use this data to cause the display of virtual features in perceivedlocations or orientations that prevent a guest 150 from inadvertentlyinteracting with real-world structures or features, including otherguests 150. Using the frame of reference generated based on theorientation data, position data, point of view data, motion trackingdata, and so forth, the computer graphics generation system 190 may thenrender a view of the virtual features 32 in a manner that is temporallyand spatially commensurate with what the guest 150 is supposed toperceive and in positions and orientations that do not risk accidentalcontact with real-world objects. The computer graphics generation system190 may constantly update (e.g., in real-time) the rendering of thevirtual features 32 to reflect change in respective orientation,position, and/or motion of the respective guest 150.

The master controller 200 (e.g., show controller, amusement parkcontroller) of the present embodiment of the AR/VR and 3-D viewingsystem coordinates operation of the components of the AR/VR and 3-Dviewing systems disclosed herein. For example, the master controller 200provides control signals via the wireless network to the computergraphics generation system 190, the 3-D display system (e.g., electronicdisplay devices 172), and the wearable visualization device 12 inembodiments in which the wearable visualization device include wirelesscommunication circuitry. Generally, the master controller 200 of thepresent embodiment instructs the computer graphics generation system 190to generate and provide the virtual features 32 to the wearablevisualization device 12. In some embodiments, the master controller 200instructs the computer graphics generation system 190 to generate andprovide the 3-D images 36 to the 3-D display system (e.g., electronicdisplay devices 172). Moreover, the master controller instructs thewearable visualization device 12 to present the virtual features 32 tothe guest 150 and instructs the electronic display devices 172 topresent the 3-D images 36 to the guests 150, each in a controlled,contextualized, and/or individualized manner.

With the preceding in mind, FIG. 9 depicts an example of a process flowdiagram of an embodiment of a process to provide AR/VR and 3-Denhancements to amusement park guests 150. The process may be useful increating and displaying VR content and a 3-D experience during anamusement park experience, such as a thrill ride or other attraction.The process may be representative of executed code or instructionsstored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., one or moreof the memory 230, 232, 234, 236) and executed, for example, by aprocessor of a wearable visualization device 12, the processor 224 ofthe computer graphics generation system 190, the processor 222 of theelectronic display devices 172, and/or the processor 226 of the mastercontroller 200. The processors 222, 224, 226 may be communicativelycoupled via a network, such as the wireless network, to receive and sendthe instructions described below.

In particular, the depicted process may be useful in a context where VRcontent is displayed during a portion of the attraction and 3-D contentis displayed for a different portion of the attraction (i.e., thedisplay of VR and 3-D content do not overlap). In other contexts wherethe virtual features are present in an AR format, the decision pointsand/or actions, though similar, may differ based on the AR context, suchas instructing the wearable visualization device 12 to display AR imageswhen it is determined that the wearable visualization device 12 isattached to a guest interface device 14 while continuing to display 3-Dcontent.

Turning to the illustrated example of the process, the process may beginby instructing (step 250) the 3-D display system, which may encompasselectronic display devices 172, to display 3-D images 36. These 3-Dimages 36 may be viewed by guests 150 wearing guest interface devices14, as discussed herein, equipped with 3-D viewing optics (e.g., lenses52). In the depicted example, a determination (step 256) may then bemade, such as based upon signals received (step 254) from a monitoringsystem 180, that some or all guests 150 participating in an attractionhave attached their respective wearable visualization devices 12 totheir guest interface devices 14. By way of example, this may occur atset portions of the ride or attraction, such as based upon promptsprovided to the guests 150 (e.g., via the electronic display devices172). In this manner, the guests 150 may enjoy 3-D images 36 for aportion of the attraction (or prior to the attraction) and, whenprompted, may equip a VR headset so as to enjoy VR content for otherportions of the attraction or ride.

Upon determining at step 256 that the wearable visualization devices 12of the monitored guests are attached to their respective guest interfacedevices 14, the wearable visualization devices 12 may be instructed(step 258), either individually or collectively, to display VR content(e.g., virtual features 32) to the guests 150. As discussed above, thecomputer graphics generation system 190 generates the virtual features32, although in other embodiments, the virtual features 32 may begenerated by a processor of the wearable visualization device 12 or theprocessor 226 of the master controller 200. In some embodiments, thevirtual features 32 generated by the computer graphics generation system190 are individualized or customized for the guest 150. For example,based on a group associated with the guest 150, a position of the guest150 along the ride path 164, an orientation of the guest 150, or anyother suitable sensor data related to the guest 150, the computergraphics generation system 190 generates the virtual features 32specifically for individualized display to the guest 150, in someembodiments. During or after generation of the virtual features 32, thecomputer graphics generation system 190 transmits the virtual features32 to the wearable visualization device 12 via the wireless network.

In the depicted example, if a determination is made at step 256 that allmonitored guests 150 in a respective group or region of the attractionare viewing VR content, the electronic display devices 172 or projectormay be instructed (step 260) to cease displaying 3-D images 36. In thismanner, the display or presentation of content that is not being viewedby any guest 150 can be limited or eliminated to conserve processingpower and improve operating efficiency. Conversely, upon receiving anindication that a guest 150 is in the line of view of an electronicdisplay device 172 and is not wearing a wearable visualization device12, display of the 3-D images can be resumed or restarted. Moreover,certain embodiments may present a prompt via the electronic displaydevice 172 to instruct the guest 150 to reattach their wearablevisualization device 12.

As set forth above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provideone or more technical effects useful for incorporating 3-D viewingcapability to a head-worn device (e.g., an interface device) to whichanother device may be coupled to provide VR or AR functionality. Thedevice providing VR or AR viewing functionality may be removably coupledto the interface component providing 3-D viewing functionality. In thismanner and as recognized herein, a guest of an amusement park may view3-D content when the AR or VR functionality is removed, while stillbeing able to view the AR or VR content by attaching the device (e.g.,VR headset or electronic eyeglasses) when desired or prompted.

While the embodiments set forth in the present disclosure may besusceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specificembodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and havebeen described in detail herein. However, it should be understood thatthe disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular formsdisclosed. The disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents,and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosureas defined by the following appended claims.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and appliedto material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature thatdemonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are notabstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claimsappended to the end of this specification contain one or more elementsdesignated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for[perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements areto be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claimscontaining elements designated in any other manner, it is intended thatsuch elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

The invention claimed is:
 1. An interface device for a separate wearableaugmented reality (AR) device, the interface device comprising: a headstrap assembly configured to be worn on a head of a guest when in use tosecure the interface device to the head; an interface frame coupled tothe head strap assembly; a three-dimensional (3-D) viewing componentcoupled to the interface frame and configured to allow viewing of one ormore coded 2-dimensional (2-D) images as one or more deciphered 3-Dfeatures; and an attachment mechanism configured to removably couple theseparate wearable AR device to the interface frame, wherein the separatewearable AR device comprises one or more displays for displaying virtualfeatures overlaid onto a real-world environment viewable by the guestwhen in use.
 2. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the 3-D viewingcomponent comprises one or more lenses.
 3. The interface device of claim2, wherein: the interface device is configured to enable the guest toview the one or more deciphered 3-D features through the one or morelenses of the 3-D viewing component and the one or more displays of theseparate wearable AR device.
 4. The interface device of claim 1, whereinthe 3-D viewing component is toollessly removable from the interfaceframe.
 5. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the 3-D viewingcomponent comprises a passive 3-D lens assembly.
 6. The interface deviceof claim 1, wherein the 3-D viewing component comprises an active 3-Dlens assembly.
 7. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the 3-Dviewing component comprises a first lens having a first polarization anda second lens having a second polarization, different than the firstpolarization.
 8. The interface device of claim 7, wherein the separatewearable AR device, when attached to the attachment mechanism, comprisesa corresponding first lens and a corresponding second lens havingmatching polarization with the first lens and the second lensrespectively.
 9. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the attachmentmechanism comprises one or more magnets configured to magneticallyengage corresponding magnets or metallic attachment structures providedon the separate wearable AR device when in use.
 10. The interface deviceof claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises one or moresupport ribs configured to engage the separate wearable AR device whenin use.
 11. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the interfacedevice is operable in a detached configuration and an attachedconfiguration, wherein: in the detached configuration, the separatewearable AR device is coupled to the interface frame and configured todisplay the virtual features overlaid onto the real-world environmentviewable by the guest; in the attached configuration, the separatewearable AR device is not coupled to the interface frame; and in boththe detached configuration and the attached configuration, the 3-Dviewing component enables viewing of the deciphered 3-D features.
 12. Acombined three-dimensional (3-D) and augmented reality (AR) viewingsystem, comprising: an interface device configured to be worn on a headof a guest when in use, the interface device comprising: an interfaceframe; a 3-D viewing component coupled to the interface frame andconfigured to allow viewing of projected or displayed 3-D images; and afirst attachment mechanism configured to removably couple a separatewearable AR device to the interface frame; and the separate wearable ARdevice, comprising: one or more transparent or semi-transparent displayson which one or more virtual features are overlaid onto a real-worldenvironment viewable by the guest when in use; and a second attachmentmechanism configured to removably engage the first attachment mechanism.13. The viewing system of claim 12, wherein the 3-D viewing componentcomprises one or more lenses permanently attached to the interfaceframe.
 14. The viewing system of claim 12, wherein the 3-D viewingcomponent comprises a first lens having a first polarization and asecond lens having a second polarization, different than the firstpolarization.
 15. The viewing system of claim 12, wherein the firstattachment mechanism comprises a first magnet and the second attachmentmechanism comprises a second magnet.
 16. The viewing system of claim 12,wherein the separate wearable AR device comprises electronic eyeglassescomprising the one or more transparent or semi-transparent displays onwhich one or more virtual features are displayed when in use such thatthe real-world environment comprising the projected or displayed 3-Dimages is simultaneously viewable with the virtual features.
 17. Acombined three-dimensional (3-D) and augmented reality (AR) viewingsystem, comprising: a projector or an electronic display deviceconfigured to project or display 3-D images in a physical environment;an interface device configured to be worn on a head of a guest when inuse, the interface device comprising: an interface frame; a 3-D viewingcomponent attached to the interface frame and configured to allowviewing of the projected or displayed 3-D images; and a separatewearable AR device configured to removably couple to the interfacedevice, the separate wearable AR device comprising one or moretransparent or semi-transparent displays on which one or more virtualfeatures are displayed when in use such that the physical environmentcomprising the 3-D images is simultaneously viewable with the virtualfeatures.
 18. The viewing system of claim 17, wherein the 3-D viewingcomponent comprises one or more polarized lenses, and the one or morepolarized lenses are positioned between the one or more transparent orsemi-transparent displays and eyes of the guest along a line of sight ofthe guest when the separate wearable AR device is coupled to theinterface device.
 19. The viewing system of claim 17, wherein the 3-Dviewing component comprises an active shuttering lens assembly.
 20. Theviewing system of claim 19, comprising an amusement park controllerconfigured to instruct the projector or the electronic display device topresent the 3-D images, wherein the 3-D images comprise a prompt toattach the separate wearable AR device to the interface frame.